Forsyth County Sheriff's Office mourns death of longtime deputy

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. - The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is mourning the death of the department's longest continuous serving member

Sgt. Daniel Rush died on Monday night at Northside Forsyth Hospital after a battle with a critical illness. Members of the law enforcement agency were at his side.

What we know:

Officials say Rush was under hospice care for the past week at the hospital. They have not shared details about his illness.

According to the sheriff, Rush was wounded in the line of duty while confronting a gunman on the steps of the Forsyth County Courthouse in 2014. He was granted a FCSO Purple Heart award, and was selected as Georgia's Deputy Sheriff of the Year for Valor for his heroism.

What they're saying:

"As Sheriff, losing a member of the FCSO is my nearly sole fear. I have personally known Daniel since before he began as a Dispatcher at FCSO in 1990. Sergeant Rush’s 35th anniversary with FCSO would have been February 8th," Sheriff Ron Freeman wrote on Facebook. "Sergeant Rush is a genuine hero."

What's next:

Details about Rush's memorial service will be shared by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office once they are finalized.

Officials are asking Georgians to keep Rush's family, friends, and co-workers in their thoughts and prayers.